@meredithnini

As I enter into my last six weeks of teaching, and my last six weeks in Brescia, I realize that I have left this blog painfully neglected on the subject of my students. Here for you in convenient listicle form, a summary of what I’ve learned in my three Italian schools. Italians will never be able … More Tell it to the Mothertongue

Just after the winter holidays, Gretchen and I decided it was time to buckle down and start planning trips. Instead of just talking idly about our plans to visit cities outside of Italy, we sat down to do our research. Ryanair, Easyjet, e-dreams. There are a lot of options. And while I will say that … More The European Adventures Begin — Barcelona!

Mom and Dad arrive for their Christmas visit one week from today, and I couldn’t be more excited. As soon as I accepted my internship in Brescia, we agreed that they’d visit so we could spend the holidays together. This will be my mom’s first trip to Italy, so I set to work planning a … More Trip Planning: Christmas in Italy

While Americans are busy gathering with family and friends, carving up turkey, and telling tales of Pilgrims… Thanksgiving passes by in Italy with very little passing thought. Unless you’re me, that is. I spent the weeks before and after the holiday enlightening my students about this very American tradition. Most were very interested by the history, … More A Sienese Thanksgiving!

After a hectic and fun first week in Italy, the first few weeks of October brought about the settling-in period of my stay. After moving in with my second, longer-term host family, finalizing some paperwork, signing up for my very own metro card, connecting with other SITE interns, and beginning to plan my own lessons, everything was … More Settling in to a new Italian life

I’ve been here in Brescia almost a whole week now. Hard to believe that this time last week the whole saga was just beginning. If you’re interested in a ridiculously long post about my time here so far, I’ll start from the beginning…

ambigram + grammar AMBIGRAM, n. “calligraphic design that manages to squeeze two different readings into the selfsame set of curves.” – Douglas R. Hofstadter GRAMMAR, n. “A system of pitfalls thoughtfully prepared for the feet for the self-made man, along the path by which he advances to distinction.” – Ambrose Bierce